Xmas lights

Tom256 · 2025-01-11T14:13:15+0000

picturevalve said:
Here's an update for anyone interested:
Trader's address is actually a Chinese "fulfillment Centre" , All items arrive ready bagged from China and a delivery address is stuck on and in the post it goes. It seems that this is a nice way of circumventing checks in this country due to legislative weakness- aka "removing red tape". Trading syandards in Bedfordshire were able to identify the item from the Chinese QR code on the back of the package and they are now in discussions with the supplier. Meanwhile,I opened the plastic box with my thumbnail - ludicrously easy, to see what was inside - see photo. The 4 semi-circular plastic lugs holding the cover can be seen near the box corners.
Mains in was on A and C contacts with live on A - less than 4mm from + contact at one point.
Led strings connected to +, 1 and 3 conns. String common connected to contact 1
Isolation of control ic from mains provided by 2Megohm resistor and ic on the top left.
All in all a nasty piece of work.

View attachment 119342

As expected. Great job following this up.
No robust separation and all in all a fatality waiting to happen.

w0z · 2025-01-11T15:24:33+0000

Tom256 said:
As expected. Great job following this up.
No robust separation and all in all a fatality waiting to happen.

Grim, and no fuse either.

Tom256 · 2025-01-11T15:37:21+0000

w0z said:
Grim, and no fuse either.

No and that is quite common on these counterfeit 1363 plugs. That is to have a fuse carrier yet it is not in-line with the load

w0z · 2025-01-11T16:04:16+0000

Tom256 said:
No and that is quite common on these counterfeit 1363 plugs. That is to have a fuse carrier yet it is not in-line with the load

Yes, I know, I was referring to the PCB, whilst a (very low current anti-surge) fuse might not cover all eventualities at least it might give some protection to avoiding the possibility of mains through the light string if there was an short or low resistance path through the PCB.
Anyway all that said the answer is to educate the public, but sadly price continues to trump safety.
I suppose on the plus side we have yo hope that most users with have RCD or othe CU's, but I still know people who don't, mainly elderly. Fortunately they are not likely to be buying Chinedse carp.
P.S.
I'm in the process of "improving" the plug template referred to above, (putting measurements on it and other changes); if I ever complete it I'll post back with a printable file (If it doesn't break any rules or laws)

Xmas lights

Tom256

w0z

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Tom256

w0z

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